Lady Riders come from behind to defeat Red Lion 10-5

Monday

Apr 28, 2014 at 1:22 AM

Mike Santa Barbara

The Lady Riders softball squad improved to 7-3 on the season after a 10-5 victory over Red Lion on Friday. Caesar Rodney came back from a 5-0 deficit, scoring six runs in the top-half of the seventh to earn the win.

After two scoreless inning to start the contest, Red Lion jumped in front thanks to a grand-slam from Kiara Carrier capping off a five-run bottom half of the third. The Lady Riders responded in their next at bat scoring three runs to cut the Red Lion deficit to 5-3 after four innings.

After scoring another run in the fifth, the Riders went into the seventh and final inning trailing Red Lion 5-4. The Riders rallied for six runs in the top half of the inning to win going away, 10-5.

The Lady Riders were led by big days from Shelby Voak, Cassetty Howerin, and Kyra Watson who all finished the day with at least two hits.

Meanwhile, after being tagged with five runs in the third, Caesar Rodney starter Alyssa Ball kept her composure keeping Red Lion off the scoreboard for the rest of the day to earn the victory.

Along with Carrier who homered, Red Lion’s Noelle Holiday finished with four hits in the loss.

Now at 7-3 on the season, the Lady Riders will now embark on their longest conference game streak of the season, facing Henlopen Conference foes in seven of their final eight games.

“I have stressed each game is a step. With each win we are able to climb the steps,” said CR head coach Paul Damask. “Having made it to step seven is definitely a confidence boost for the team. The comeback win was great for the team. I think they finally realize their potential for the season. Looking back at the games we’ve lost, we were competitive and fought until the end. “

As they head down the home stretch of the season, the Lady Riders have begun to find their identity. And after Friday’s win, CR matched their win total from last season with eight games remaining.

“I’m very pleased with our record. We have matched our wins from last year,” said Damask. “As far as reaching our potential, I don’t think we’re quite there. This win over Red Lion is a step in the right direction, they’re a very good team and being down by five runs early was a true test of character. If we continue this effort, the rest of the season will be fun and very successful.”

The Lady Riders took on Delmar Tuesday after our press time. Caesar Rodney is back in action on Friday when they host Smyrna at 4:15 p.m.